THE humble dormouse, facing an uncertain future because of its need for thick continuous hedgerows, is fighting back in one area of Wales.

THE humble dormouse, facing an uncertain future because of its need for thick continuous hedgerows, is fighting back in one area of Wales.

Forestry Commission Wales's latest survey to monitor and improve dormice habitats in the forests around Llandovery has revealed a sharp increase.

Dormice are an endangered species protected by UK and European legislation and the conservation of their forest habitats is an important part of Forestry Commission Wales's conservation management plan.

During a three-year survey of Llandovery Forest District, more than 30 new sites have been recorded.

Forestry Commission Wales conservation manager David Rees, who is heading up the survey project, said dormice are now being found in habitats that were once thought to be unsuitable.

"These survey results are an encouraging sign that forest management is benefiting indigenous species," he said.

The survey is conducted by searching for partially eaten hazelnuts, the dormouse's favourite bedtime snack.

Dormice hibernate each year from November to April to avoid the food shortage and colder winter weather.

The discovery of large numbers of dormice has a direct impact on how the forests in that area are managed, and Forestry Commission Wales plans to build nest boxes for the dormice, and begin a long-term project to closely monitor the newly discovered populations.

The commission hopes to work in partnership with local wildlife trusts as part of the monitoring process, and give trust members and volunteers the chance to see one of the UK's most endearing species at first hand.